Lina Higiro is an experienced financial services executive with over two decades of experience building strong institutions and advancing inclusive economic growth across the region. She brings to the board a strong record in strategic leadership, commercial acumen, financial stewardship, digital finance, and governance.

Currently, Ms. Higiro serves as Director of Regional Business at NCBA Group overseeing risk, audit and operational efficiencies. Previously, she served as Chief Executive Officer of NCBA Bank Rwanda, leading a successful five-year transformation focused on SME and retail banking from 2018 to 2024. Under her leadership, total assets grew from USD 35 million to over USD 205 million, while delivering a high turnaround, moving the bank from a USD 1.7 million loss to USD 8.7 million in profit before tax. The bank expanded its reach to more than four million customers and increased its return on equity from 14% to 20% percent.

She has held senior leadership roles at AB Bank, I&M Bank, and FINA Bank.

Her global experience cuts across sectors such as energy, healthcare, and youth employment in Canada and South Africa.

A strong advocate for people-centered leadership, Ms. Higiro built learning platforms, including professional clubs and mentoring circles, strengthening engagement and talent pipelines. As Founding Chair of Women in Finance Rwanda, she champions data led policy engagements to improve Gender Parity in the Rwanda financial sector.

She holds an MBA from the University of Liverpool, a Bachelor of Commerce from North-West University, South Africa, a Business and Corporate Communications certificate from Ryerson University, Canada, and is completing the Institute of Directors Certificate in Company Direction.